On This Day, 1988: Sheila Scott died on 20 October 1988, leaving a legacy of solo world flights, polar exploration and record-breaking…
Read the entry →Cold War Articles
In-depth articles, analysis and long reads from The RAF Chronicle.
Korean War Begins: RAF Sunderlands Enter the Conflict
Cold War
As the Korean War began on 25 June 1950, RAF Sunderland flying boats at Iwakuni entered blockade and patrol duties under US control.
Read the article →V-Bomber Force Reduced to 144 Aircraft in Principle
On 1 August 1957, ministers confirmed a 144-aircraft V-bomber frontline force, reshaping Britain’s airborne nuclear deterrent.
Last Lincoln Leaves Kenya as RAF Bomber Detachment Ends
On 28 July 1955, No. 49 Squadron’s Lincoln detachment left Kenya, ending the bomber phase of RAF operations…
Phantom FGR.2s Reach Akrotiri During the Cyprus Crisis
On 23 July 1974, two RAF Phantom FGR.2s of No. 41 Squadron reached Akrotiri to support reconnaissance and…
RAF and the Berlin Crisis, 1948–49: Beyond the Airlift
How the RAF turned the Berlin crisis of 1948–49 into a test of access, air transport and Cold…
No. 1 Squadron Harriers Deploy to Belize with Victors
On 7 July 1977, six RAF Harrier GR.3s deployed to Belize with Victor tanker support, beginning a sustained…
Sunderlands Join the Berlin Airlift with Heavy Freight Runs
On 5 July 1948 RAF Sunderland flying boats began Berlin Airlift runs, using water access to carry heavy…
Sea Vixen Milestone as 892 Squadron Goes Operational
In early July 1959 892 Naval Air Squadron became the first Royal Navy unit to reach operational status…
Operation Vantage and RAF Airlift Defend Kuwait in 1961
On 1 July 1961 RAF transport and fighter support helped launch Operation Vantage, Britain’s rapid move to deter…
Berlin Airlift: RAF Air Mobility and Cold War Resolve
The Berlin Airlift showed how the RAF and its allies used sustained air mobility to hold West Berlin…
V-Force Stands Down as Polaris Assumes the Role in 1969
On 30 June 1969 the RAF’s V-force left the strategic deterrent role as Royal Navy Polaris submarines assumed…
No. 78 Wing RAAF Arrives at Luqa for Malta Air Defence
On 28 June 1952, No. 78 Wing RAAF reached Luqa with Vampire FB.9 fighters, reinforcing Commonwealth air defence…
Launch of the Berlin Airlift: RAF Operation Plainfare
On 26 June 1948 the RAF launched Operation Plainfare, helping sustain West Berlin by air in one of…